Thread: Derivations, nicknames, etc

Прозвище is singular, прозвища - plural.

My name is Kristina and from what I gather, it is reasonably common in russia (its on the list of widely used girls names on this site). I was wondering if it has a diminutive. When I was born, my Grandparents wanted me to have a diminutive and amongst my family and russian friends I am called Kristya. I was wondering if this a common diminutive for Kristina and if not, what is? Also my sister is named Natalia, I know that Natasha a common diminutive for it but it is common for that then to be shortened to Tasha, because that is what she is called like I am called Kristya.

Hi Kristina.
You name is very beautiful and it is becoming more and more popular in Russia. And mostly after we've got this famous singer Kristina Orbacaite who is a symbol of elegance among Russian teens. I think the reason why your grandparents called you Kristya was that it's very common in Russia to give babies and children diminutive names by adding the suff (Kristinochka, Kristulenka, Natik, Natulik, etc.). But you are a young lady now and it's more approppriate to be called Kristina, let alone that the name is very mysteriuos by itself and it definitely derived from the name of Jesus Crist. I'm sure that the name Kristya will sound funny and not attractive for Russian teens as well as Tasha. If you want to socialize in Russia use your real name Kristina and Natasha, believe me it's cool.

Svetlana (former Svetulya).

Thank-you for the helpful advice.

Her name is Natalia, her diminutive has been diminutised!!


I am sure there are many other things like that I would like to know so please anyone help if you can.

My friends have never called me Kristya, with the exception of my best friend, Vika.

Could I just use my Dutch nicknames and diminutize them по-русски? Like Jasp, Kasper, Flaps (sister), Jazz (father), Jabber etc.

Of cause! Джасп, Джаспон and so on. Russian is so rich!!